Don Knabe Appointed as 2009 First 5 LA ChairJanuary 12, 2009 |
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 Last week, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe was elected for his third term as First 5 LA Commission Chair, taking over for the 2008 Chair Yvonne Burke who is now retired. Knabe was first chair when the Commission began in 1999 and then again in 2005. The appointment opened the Commission meeting, and the supervisor expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Commission once again. "I am very honored to be chairing this Commission, which includes some of the most passionate and committed advocates for the well-being of children in Los Angeles County," said Knabe. "I look forward to working with them on the ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of children." Among his leadership accomplishments while serving as chair in 2005, Knabe spearheaded the First 5 LA initiative to more widely educate the public about California's Safely Surrendered Baby Law. The law, intended to keep babies from being abandoned, allows the mother or family member to surrender a child at a hospital or fire-station up to 72 hours after birth. Knabe was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in November of 1996. He represents the Fourth District, which include the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and Los Angeles International Airport. In addition to chairing the First 5 LA Commission, the Supervisor sits on the Board of Governors for L.A. Care Health Plan, is vice chairman of the health sub-committee for the National Association of Counties and is a trustee at the Aquarium of the Pacific located in Long Beach. He is also a leader in regional transportation and serves on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and is involved in several other transportation related agencies. Knabe and his wife Julie have been married for 40 years, and have two sons, two granddaughters and a grandson. |
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